Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-02-20 05:58:03
The National Patriotic Party (NPP) has recently been the center of controversy regarding its status within the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). This came after the party’s National Chairman, George Sylvester Mulbah, announced the party’s departure from the CDC. However, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has vehemently opposed this announcement, creating a dispute over the party’s standing within the coalition.
In response to Atty. Mulbah’s statement about the NPP leaving the CDC, Jewel Howard-Taylor expressed her disagreement with the decision. She clarified that neither she nor the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had authorized such a move. She attributed this announcement to a few members of the NEC and emphasized that it did not reflect the consensus of the majority of the NPP membership.
Furthermore, Atty. Mulbah claimed that the NPP had been marginalized within the CDC, with executives of the CDC exerting control over the coalition’s operations. He highlighted that the NPP did not receive adequate recognition and was denied key ministerial positions within the coalition. Atty. Mulbah also mentioned that the original purpose for the formation of the coalition had expired following the CDC’s loss in the presidential election to the Unity Party.
In contrast, Jewel Howard-Taylor reaffirmed her commitment to the CDC and the opposition community, urging the party leadership to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address the concerns of the NPP members. She emphasized the need for honesty and unity within the party, despite the ongoing dispute over the party’s status within the coalition.
The conflicting statements from the NPP leadership have raised questions about the party’s position within the CDC and the authority to make decisions. This internal wrangling within the NPP has caused uncertainty about the party’s participation in the coalition that facilitated George M. Weah’s ascension to power in 2017.
The situation has led to confusion among Liberians, who are seeking clarity on the NPP’s affiliation with the CDC. The dispute has also brought attention to the division and power struggles within the NPP, highlighting the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining unity and coherence within coalitions.
Overall, the conflicting statements and opposing views within the NPP have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and discord, raising concerns about the party’s future within the coalition. The resolution of this internal dispute will be crucial in determining the NPP’s role within the CDC and its standing in the political arena.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
